Colocasia esculenta Leaf Extract Mitigates Hippocampal Injury Caused by Lipopolysaccharide in Mice

Abstract

The hippocampus, a major part of the limbic lobe, is divided into the Cornu Ammonis (CA1-CA4) and the dentate gyrus (DG) and plays major role in memory and learning. It has been determined that the leaves of Colocasia esculenta are rich in minerals, vitamins B complex, E, and ascorbic acid, as well as important amino acids. The study evaluated the therapeutic influence of Colocasia esculenta leaf aqueous extract (CELE) on hippocampal injury elicited by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice. Six groups of forty-eight mature male albino mice in good condition, weighing between 20 and 24 grams each, were formed. Group I consist of mice that are in good health, while groups II–VI received intraperitoneal injections of lipopolysaccharide at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg for a period of seven days in order to cause neurodegeneration. Group II was given two milliliters of distilled water, Group III was given CELE (400 mg/kg/day), Group IV was given 600mg/kg/day, and Group V was given 800 mg/kg/day of CELE. Group VI was given 2.5 mg/kg/day of donepezil-hydrochloride (DPH). When comparing the LPS-exposed groups to group I, there was a statistically appreciable increase in the acetylcholinesterase and indicators of cellular oxidation in the brain (p<0.05). In the group II, Bielschowsky staining revealed neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques. The delivery of lipopolysaccharide to mice resulted in inflammation, oxidative stress, anxiety-like behaviors, hippocampus injury, and cognitive impairments. CELE reduces degenerative alterations in the hippocampal region and demonstrates antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anxiolytic effects.